LAHORE: In a concerning development, the number of Hepatitis patients in Punjab has skyrocketed to over 3.9 million, underscoring a growing health crisis that demands immediate attention.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis.
Official documents have revealed that out of the 217 clinics across the province, only a mere 23 have access to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test facilities, a crucial tool for accurate hepatitis diagnosis, with less than 11 per cent of clinics equipped with this.
According to reports, more than 981,000 PCR tests for Hepatitis have been administered thus far.
Perhaps the most alarming discovery from the documents is that a significant 62 per cent of the disease’s transmission is attributed to the repeated use of syringes.
Among the most affected are patients grappling with Hepatitis C, with more than 76,000 reported cases in Punjab. Hepatitis C is notorious for its ability to evolve into a chronic condition, leading to severe liver damage if left untreated.
This is compounded by recent screening data, which has unveiled an unsettling 138,000 cases of Hepatitis B. This number is a startling contrast to the previously registered four lakh cases of hepatitis B and C.
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